Relief for motorists after Chester bridge repairs completed

WORK to replace the road joints on the viaduct which carries St Martins Way in Chester have been completed – four weeks ahead of schedule.

The contraflow has been removed and electronic notice boards are displaying the message that the major part of the work has been completed early.

Originally it was anticipated that the council-funded scheme would take contractor Ringway and its subcontractor USL Bridgecare six weeks to complete.

However, work was undertaken seven days a week to reduce the disruption for drivers, and the weather remained generally good which helped with the rapid progress.

The old steel plated road joints had not been removed for over 30 years and there were some concerns regarding the likely condition of the concrete below.

However, the concrete was found to be in very good condition allowing a relatively straightforward installation of the new road joints.

Some lane closures will be required for two evenings, after rush hour, during the week, commencing on Monday, to install new steel plates in the footways and central reservation.

Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for localities, said: “We are extremely pleased that these essential works have been completed well ahead of schedule and in time for the start of a packed programme of events in Chester.

“I would also like to thank drivers for their patience over the past two weeks when the contra flow was in operation.

“Some minor works need to be undertaken, however, these will not affect the vast majority of drivers. The main contract completed just over four weeks early is excellent news.”

Kevan Rudd, divisional manager, Ringway, said: “We were very conscious of the potential for delays to the general public in delivering this work.

“We took every opportunity to accelerate the works, working together with our client Cheshire West and Chester Council, allowing us to complete ahead of programme.”